Foreword
We introduce the major attractions centered around Hitakatsu Port, the gateway to Northern Tsushima. Located at the northernmost tip of the island, this area is home to attractions geographically closest to Korea.
The range of your visit depends on your mode of transport. For a day trip using rental bicycles, a typical itinerary includes Miuda Beach, Value Mart, and the drugstore. However, if you have more time and a rental car, you can venture beyond the town to explore a wider variety of landmarks across the northern part of the island.
Hitakatsu Port Area Guide
1. Konpira Ebisu Shrine & Jizo Pilgrimage Path
Dedicated to two guardian deities, this site is located just a 5-minute walk from Hitakatsu Port and serves as a top-tier viewpoint.
- Viewing Point: The red torii steps leading from the entrance are a popular photo spot. At the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hitakatsu village and the port.
- Jizo Pilgrimage Path: This location houses the 88th statue, the final stop of a pilgrimage path featuring 88 Jizo statues across the island. Legend says your wish will come true if you visit and pray at each one in order.
- Note: The shrine itself is small, so it is best to visit for the scenery rather than the building.
While called a shrine, Konpira Ebisu consists of only a small altar at the top of the stairs. It is better to focus on the view of Hitakatsu Port. If you are looking for a traditional shrine atmosphere, we recommend visiting the nearby Toyosaki Shrine instead.
2. Toyosaki Shrine
1) History and Name Origin
Toyosaki Shrine took its current form in 1935 when four separate shrines were merged into one. The massive torii gate standing in the heart of Hitakatsu village symbolizes its importance as the guardian of the town center.
2) Guardian Deities
Since it is a merger of four shrines, it hosts various deities:
- Princess of the Sea: Worships Toyotama-hime, daughter of the Sea God, to pray for fishing safety.
- Tsushima Local Deities: Local guardians believed to protect fishing and maritime navigation.
- Gods of Victory: Worships Futsunushi and Takemikazuchi, gods of martial valor in Japanese mythology, believed to ward off misfortune and bring victory.
Toyotama-hime is a mythological deity also enshrined at Watazumi Shrine. You can find more detailed stories about her and Watazumi Shrine in the Central Tsushima section.
3) Key Sights and Tips
- Giant Torii in the Village: The large torii gate standing amidst the residential area on the way to the shrine is one of Hitakatsu's most iconic scenes.
3. Kami-tsushima Historical & Folklore Material Room & Tonokubi Ruins
This is a historical and cultural space that showcases ancient artifacts and the traditional lifestyle of northern Tsushima residents.
- Major Exhibits: You can see bronze spears and stone coffin models excavated from the Tonokubi Ruins (a national historic site), as well as dioramas of Tsushima's wildlife.
- Visitor Info: Admission is free. Open 09:00–17:00. It is closed on weekends and Japanese holidays, so a weekday visit is necessary.
- Note: Please be aware that the material room and the actual ruins are in different locations.
4. Nishidomari Beach
A small, transparent beach reachable in about 15 minutes on foot from Hitakatsu Port.
- Features: Beautiful emerald waters and white sands. The waves are calm and the water is shallow, making it ideal for quiet family swimming.
- Pros: It is much less crowded than the famous Miuda Beach.
- Facilities: During the summer season (mid-July to late August), showers and changing rooms are available.
If your schedule doesn't allow a trip to Miuda Beach, Nishidomari Beach is an excellent alternative. It is the perfect place for a quiet rest away from the crowds.
5. Value Mart Hitakatsu
A medium-sized supermarket located at the entrance of the village near Hitakatsu Port, offering great accessibility.
- Features: Sells fresh ingredients, bento boxes, various snacks, and alcohol. A 100-yen shop (Tokutokuya) is on the second floor for affordable household goods.
- Shopping Tip: Unlike the Ooura branch, Tax-Free is not available at this location. Use this branch for quick snacks or daily necessities, and visit the Ooura branch for tax-free shopping.
- Visitor Info: About a 10–15 minute walk from the port. Microwaves are available for heating bento, but eating inside the store is prohibited.
Miuda Beach Area Guide
1. Miuda Beach
The most beautiful beach representing Tsushima, selected as one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Beaches.
- Features: The emerald transparent sea and fine white sand create an exotic landscape. The shallow depth makes it safe for children.
- Photo Spot: The small rocky island in the middle of the beach is a symbol of Miuda and the perfect spot for a "life shot".
- Facilities: Showers and changing rooms operate during the summer (mid-July to late August).
- Outside of the summer season, lifeguards are not present and indoor shower use is restricted. However, you can still enjoy the beach and use separate washing facilities.
The area around Miuda Beach is part of a community fishing right zone. It is strictly prohibited to collect seafood such as abalone, turban shells, or sea urchins.
2. Tonosaki National Park
An open park located on a hill just above Miuda Beach.
- Historical Site: A place with traces of the Russo-Japanese War, featuring a monument symbolizing peace and friendship, commemorating the local care given to prisoners of war.
- Walking Path: You can enjoy the vast view of the Tsushima Strait along the coastal cliffs. It is especially beautiful in spring when wildflowers are in full bloom.
3. Nagisano-yu Onsen
A municipal hot spring facility located right next to Miuda Beach, perfect for relieving travel fatigue.
- Ocean View Bath: The main draw is enjoying a bath while looking out at the blue sea of Miuda Beach through large glass windows.
- Usage Tip: Towels must be rented for a fee, so bringing your own will save money. It is closed every Monday.
- Admission: Adults 600 JPY, Students 250 JPY, Seniors (70+) 450 JPY.
- Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (Last entry 21:30).
- Closed: Every Monday.
Near Korea Observatory
1. Korea Observatory
The observatory closest to Korea, located at the northern tip of Tsushima.
- Features: Built in a Korean style with a tiled roof. On clear days, you can see Busan's Gwangandaegyo Bridge or fireworks with the naked eye.
- Night View: At night, the bright lights from the Korean side stretch across the horizon, providing an exotic and mysterious nightscape.
2. Memorial for Korean Interpreters
Located right next to the Korea Observatory, this monument commemorates the tragic 1686 shipwreck of a Joseon diplomatic mission.
- Event Summary: In 1686, all 108 members including interpreter Han Cheon-seok perished in a storm off the coast of Waniura.
- Background: Built jointly by Korea and Japan in 1991 on the 305th anniversary, on a hill overlooking the accident site.
- Significance: A place to honor the interpreters who were key to diplomacy and a symbol of historical exchange between the two nations.
3. Waniura Sookgun (Fishing Huts)
A group of uniquely shaped fishing warehouses lining the Waniura coast.
- Features: These small wooden buildings built right by the sea evoke the image of a traditional Japanese fishing village.
- Highlight: Known as a popular photo spot where the buildings reflect on the calm sea.
- Note: It is best to visit in early May when the white fringe trees are in bloom.
4. Toyo Battery Ruins
The ruins of a massive coastal battery built during WWII to monitor and defend against ships passing through the strait.
- Historical Value: Once home to one of the world's largest cannons. Though the guns are gone, the concrete bunkers and underground facilities remain.
- Note: A "Dark Tourism" site where you can reflect on peace. The interior is dark and cool, so use caution.
Vehicle access is strictly prohibited at the Toyo Battery Ruins to prevent accidents. You must park at the Korea Observatory parking lot and walk for about 800m.
Near Value Mart Ooura
1. Value Mart Ooura
A large supermarket located about 10 minutes by car from Hitakatsu Port, and one of the most popular shopping destinations for travelers.
- Features: Sells fresh food, bento, snacks, alcohol, and souvenirs at low prices. The store is spacious and comfortable.
- Shopping Tip: Tax-Free is available for purchases above a certain amount, so you must bring your passport. Popular items for Korean travelers are displayed together for convenience.
2. Matsumotokiyoshi Drugstore
A representative Japanese drugstore located on the same premises as Value Mart.
- Features: Specializes in famous Japanese cosmetics, health supplements, and daily necessities. Great for finding specific medicine or beauty brands not available in the supermarket.
- Usage Tip: Tax-Free is also available here.